Scar Tissue: All You Need to Know

Scar Tissue: All You Need to Know

Besides being a fantastic Red Hot Chili Peppers track, scar tissue is the byproduct of a biologically sophisticated healing response. Without it, the frailty of our bodies would become evident. Although it may be seen as a S.O.B, changing our looks and movement quality, I hope to offer perspective on its humbling efforts.     

Scar Tissue (in a nutshell)

Scar tissue, a fibrous substance made of collagen, is the byproduct of the inflammation response. At the first sign of damage, this response kicks into action. By forming a clot escaping blood is halted allowing for fibroblast, special collagen cells, to repair the damage. When the repair is complete what is left is a multilayered fibrous patch referred to as scar tissue. Seemingly web-like under a microscope, on the surface discoloration on the skin is noticeable more times than not. Like tiny rolling hills and valleys, indentations can be seen as well. It's also possible, depending on the system and where the damage occurred, to have no visible indication of scar tissue.

Once in place, the final stage called remodeling starts. This further changes the repaired area by reducing the build-up of the tissue, restoring functionality and movement.         

Misconceptions about the tissue 

The tissue seems to be shown in a way that makes one concentrate in the realm of this process. This is because, with lessening prominence of controversy, it is a part of a newly, struggling to be recognized system called the fascia system. Within this system, fibroblasts are a key component in maintaining structural support and connection. I will go more in-depth about this in a future article.      

Ways to Reduce Build up  

Any form of movement stressing the healed area will aid in this process. Examples are strength, conditioning, massage, yoga, activities of daily life just to name a few.    

What are the Types 

Though the process happens throughout the body, we will look at two systems. Those being the skin (Integrementory) and the muscle (Skeletal Muscle).  

The skin is straight forward. Below is the chart. 

For muscle, the severity of the injury is the way to differentiate. The British Athletic Muscle Injuries Classification offers a complete scope for muscular system damage. It was developed based on MRI results looking at the degree of separation and location within the hamstring. Below is a condensed chart looking only at the description of injury with grade associated with it.   

Hope in the Future 

Scientific advancements lead us in a promising direction. With research in stems cell and genome, we are closer to being able to regenerate to full recoveries. Furthermore, research closely examining the biological processes is also assisting in the possibility. 

Yes, seemingly sci-fi. Keep in mind however, today's sci-fi stories are tomorrow's realities. With that said, scar tissue one day might be seen as a temporary cast in regards to injuries.      

Thumbnail Image source- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fibroblasts_2.jpg